Prospect Update: Nathan Gaucher

By Thomas Harrington

The Anaheim Ducks selected forward Nathan Gaucher in the first round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, 22nd overall. He made his professional debut this past season and spent the entire year playing for the San Diego Gulls.

Gaucher played in all 72 games for the Gulls, scoring 10 goals and 25 points, and was one of the youngest players in the AHL. He was one of three players on the Gulls to appear in all 72 games, and the only rookie to do so. Gaucher’s ten goals were tied for 10th on the team, and his 25 points were also tied for 10th. Among San Diego rookies, he finished tied for fourth in goals and fifth in points. He recorded his first career point, an assist, in his second career game, and scored his first goal in November. Gaucher had a career-high three points, a goal and two assists, in a game in December against Rockford. He was used primarily on San Diego’s third line and played a lot on the penalty kill, too.

I had two expectations for Gaucher last summer, and he partially hit both. First, he’s a player who can play in all situations, so I wanted him to play on both the powerplay and penalty kill units. He saw significant time on the Gulls’ penalty kill unit but didn’t do much on the powerplay, so he gets partial credit for this one. Second, while he’s not an elite talent, I was hoping he would score around 10 goals and 30 points. He scored exactly 10 goals, and while he didn’t quite hit the 30 point mark, he wasn’t far off.

This season, Gaucher should be back with the Gulls for most, if not all, of the season. There’s a chance he could make his NHL debut. The Ducks are pretty set at center, but if injuries occur, he could definitely get called up. I have a couple of expectations for Gaucher this coming season. First, for him to eclipse the 30 point mark with the Gulls. He wasn’t far off last year and should be able to do so in his second season. Second, for him to play up in the lineup more often and not just be used as San Diego’s third line center.

Despite playing in San Diego last year, Gaucher’s entry-level deal won’t actually begin until this season. He’ll be a restricted free agent in three years, and I’m confident the Ducks will sign him to an extension. While he probably won’t ever be an elite NHL scorer, he has all the tools to be an effective NHL player, and I think he’ll have made his NHL debut by the time his contract is over. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s a full time NHL player in three years and he’s seeking a one-way contract.

With the prospect updates complete, next up I’ll be ranking the strength of Anaheim’s prospect positions. 

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Prospect Update: Tristan Luneau

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September 24th, 2024